Senior Trade Compliance Officer

Taylor Root; Stuttgart; Hybrid; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

First officer in Europe

Greenfield project

Autonomy and ownership

Home office flexibility

International exposure

Job summary

International Automotive Supplier is seeking its first Trade Compliance Officer in Europe to establish and lead the European Trade Compliance function from the ground up. You will define strategy, governance and the operating framework for export controls and customs across multiple jurisdictions.

The role offers significant ownership, high visibility with senior leadership, and the chance to create a best-in-class program that supports growth across Europe, with highly flexible home-office

Qualifications

• Extensive experience within Trade Compliance, Export Controls and Customs.
• Able to influence senior stakeholders and operate independently.
• Strong understanding of European and international trade regulations.

Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the European Trade Compliance program for export controls and customs.
• Develop trade compliance strategy, policies and governance structures.
• Assess current maturity and define future operating models.
• Ensure compliance with EU, UK, German, US and international regulations.
• Design and implement customs standards across Europe.
• Build processes covering classification, origin, valuation, screening and licensing.
• Partner with leaders to embed trade compliance into decisions.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation planning.
• Lead training and awareness across the European org.
• Manage external advisors, regulators and key stakeholders.
• Drive system implementation and digitalization of trade compliance.

Skills

Trade compliance expertise

Export controls

Customs compliance

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Fluent English

Job description

International Automotive Supplier Hybrid Working | High Degree of Home Office Flexibility

An internationally recognized automotive supplier is looking for its first Trade Compliance Officer in Europe.

This is a rare opportunity for an entrepreneurial Trade Compliance professional to establish and lead the European Trade Compliance function from the ground up, defining the strategy, governance and operational framework for both Export Controls and Customs Compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

The role offers significant ownership, visibility with senior leadership and the opportunity to create a best-in-class compliance program that will support the company's continued growth throughout Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and lead the European Trade Compliance program covering both Export Controls and Customs.
• Develop and implement trade compliance strategy, policies and governance structures.
• Assess current compliance maturity and define future-state operating models.
• Ensure compliance with EU, UK, German, US and international export control regulations.
• Design and implement customs compliance standards across European operations.
• Build compliance processes covering classification, origin, valuation, screening and licensing requirements.
• Partner with business leaders to integrate trade compliance into commercial and operational decision-making.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies.
• Lead training and awareness initiatives throughout the European organization.
• Manage external advisors, regulatory authorities and key stakeholders.
• Drive system implementation and trade compliance digitalization projects.

Your Profile

• Extensive experience within Trade Compliance, Export Controls and Customs.
• Proven ability to operate independently and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of European and international trade regulations.
• Experience designing or improving compliance frameworks is highly desirable.
• Automotive, industrial manufacturing or multinational experience preferred.
• Strategic mindset combined with hands‑on execution capability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent English required. Additional European languages are advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to become the first Trade Compliance Officer in Europe.
• Full ownership of building and shaping the Trade Compliance strategy.
• Greenfield environment with significant autonomy and decision-making authority.
• High visibility with European and global leadership teams.
• Scope to build and develop a future team.
• International working environment with strong career progression potential.
• Highly flexible working arrangement with extensive home office opportunities.
• Competitive compensation package and benefits.
• Strong company culture with a very financially healthy business.